What does Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib (Anandpur Sahib) mean historically?
The THIRD of the Khalsa Panth’s Five Takhts is Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib. It is where KHALSA PANTH was born. The day of the Vaisakhi Festival, 1 Vaisakh Samvat 1750 (March 30, 1699 AD), saw Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh guru, demand five heads from the sizable throng of Sikhs. Bhai Daya Ram was the first to present his head to Guruji, followed by Bhai Dharam Das, Bhai Himmat Rai, Bhai Mohkam Chand, and Bhai Sahib Chand, all of whom did so with tremendous devotion. The five Sikhs came from various castes, faiths, and subcontinents.
Nector (Amrit) and the suffix “SINGH” with the name “Panj Pyaarey” (Five Beloveds) were given to them by Guru Sahib.
Then, after receiving the nectar from these five beloveds, Guru Ji himself took the name Sri Guru Gobind Singh from Guru Gobind Rai.
(5) Forts:
Guru Gobind Singh built “Five Qilas” (Five Forts), which are as follows, to protect the town of Shri Anandpur Sahib from outside invasions.
- Anandgarh Sahib Fort
- Lohgarh Sahib Fort
- Holgarh Sahib Fort
- Fatehgarh Sahib Fort
- Taragarh Sahib Fort.
Guru Gobind Singh lived in the city for 25 years, considerably expanded it, and gave it the new name “City of Bliss (Anandpur).”
Where is Anandpur Sahib located?
In Punjab state, Northern India, close to the Great Shivalik Hills, is the city of Anandpur Sahib. It is easily accessible by three different types of transportation, and the following methods can be used to get there:
By air: Chandigarh International Airport, which is only 80 km away, is the closest airport. Booking a taxi, bus, or cab from the airport and travelling there should only take you about 90 minutes. Another choice is the approximately 170 km away Sri Guru Ram Das Ji International Airport in Amritsar.
By Road: It is well connected by roadways, thus you may go to it from any neighboring big city like Amritsar, Chandigarh, or Delhi by bus, taxi, cab, or your private vehicle.
By Rail: It is also linked to the Indian rail network, and from the country’s major cities, you can reserve a train to Anandpur Sahib. It is the most cost-effective method of getting here.
What brought me here?
Around 6:00 am, I departed from Patiala to begin my journey. I travelled through Fatehgarh Sahib, Morinda, Roopnagar, and Kiratpur Sahib to get here through the GURU GOBIND SINGH MARG (NH 205) route. The journey here took two hours. The four-lane highway is spacious.
What amenities are offered here?
Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib is always overrun with tourists, and to handle the crowds, the gurdwara’s expansive campus offers a variety of amenities.
By Rail: It is also linked to the Indian rail network, and from the country’s major cities, you can reserve a train to Anandpur Sahib. It is the most cost-effective method of getting here.
What brought me here?
Around 6:00 am, I departed from Patiala to begin my journey. I travelled through Fatehgarh Sahib, Morinda, Roopnagar, and Kiratpur Sahib to get here through the GURU GOBIND SINGH MARG (NH 205) route. The journey here took two hours. The four-lane highway is spacious.
What time of year is ideal for visiting Anandpur Sahib?
While Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib is open throughout the year, summer is the ideal time to come. You may see this sacred shrine celebrating important holidays like Hola Mohalla and Vaisakhi during the summer (March to May). Every year in March, visitors from all over the globe travel to this location to view the renowned Hola Mohalla of Shri Anandpur Sahib.
What should one wear at Gurudwaras?
For attending gurudwaras, there is no specific attire required. However, because it is a religious site, those who visit feel a connection to these sacred sites.
You are therefore encouraged to dress simply and soberly, covering as much of your body as possible.
Guru Sahib designated Bhai Gurbaksh Rai as caretaker and gave him the duty of keeping this sacred spot when Guru Gobind Singh left Anandpur Sahib on the night of the sixth and seventh Poh (local name of December Month) in the year 1603.
Guru ki Mehal Gurudwara (Bhora Sahib).
Additionally, it takes 5 minutes to walk from this gurdwara to the major gurudwara, Kesgarh Sahib.
On June 19, 1665, Guru Teg Bahadur Ji acquired the property that belonged to Guru ke Mehal from Rani Champa of Bilaspur, the wife of Raja Deep Chand, and he built the town of “Chakk Nanaki” on that territory (Grandson of Baba Budda Ji).
Guru Sahib constructed the first structure, “Guru ke Mehal (Residential house of Chakk Nanaki),” and he and his family moved in. Now, this holy site is referred to as “Gurudwara Guru ke Mehal.”
Inside Gurudwara Guru ke Mehal lies the Bhora Sahib (Underground room), where Guru Teg Bahadur Ji used to worship and meditate.
